Restricted random walks on a graph

Abstract

The problem of a restricted random walk on graphs which keeps track of the number of immediate reversal steps is considered by using a transfer matrix formulation. A closed-form expression is obtained for the generating function of the number of n-step walks with r reversal steps for walks on any graph. In the case of graphs of a uniform valence, we show that our result has a probabilistic meaning, and deduce explicit expressions for the generating function in terms of the eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix. Applications to periodic lattices and the complete graph are given.